Lanai Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Top Tips for Taking Great Holiday Pics on Your Smartphone

March 19, 2020 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

There is a lot of criticism over the use of smartphones but they are now the #1 way of taking holiday pics. All those photos of landmarks, exotic fruits and quirky poses go straight from phone to social media in an instant. Some are so good they are destined to hang in the home in the form of canvas prints, while others will be instantly deleted. Here are our top tips for creating amazing holiday pics using only your smartphone.

Know Your Phone
We are constantly snapping away with our phones and uploading the results to Facebook, Instagram and the likes but how many of us actually know what our phones are capable of? Your top-end smartphone, Samsung, iPhone etc, carries a multitude of features to create photos that go way beyond the trout pout selfie. By taking the time to go into the settings and trying out these different features you will be capable of creating photos way beyond your expectations. Go on, have a look and see what your phone can do.

The ‘Third’ Rule
So, for example, you are standing outside The Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona. You’ve taken your time and are ready to take a great picture that captures this fabulous cathedral in all its glory. Stop for a moment and look again. Have you got the cathedral in the center of the frame? This won’t give you the effect you are looking for and the main subject should be to the side taking up one-third of the frame. It’s easy to do this using the grid option in the settings. The result being that the entire photo grabs the attention but the main subject still stands out. If you look at professional photos online you will see how many use the ‘third’ rule.

The Golden Rules of Lighting
You may love the lie-ins you get on holiday but you are missing the best part of the day in terms of the light which sunrise brings with it. Sunrise and sunset deliver a warm light and longer shadows, and capturing the moment the sun rises behind a famous landmark. Many pictures also suffer from milling crowds of tourists, whereas early morning and in the evening not only do you get the best light but a lot less people; win-win. The Eiffel Tower at sunrise will make for a photo that’s a million times better than one snapped at midday.

Mix Up those Angles
Standing in front of something or someone to take a photo is the standard stance. However, if you look around you at other places to stand you will see the subject from a whole new perspective. Look for steps, bridges or even rooftop bars and cafes to give you a plethora of photographic options. If you want to take a picture of London’s Tower Bridge at sunset stand on, for example, the Millennium Bridge and see for yourself just how magnificent this majestic monument looks from this angle. Once you discover angles and start experimenting with them the quality of your photos will improve tenfold.

Partnered post

Hawaii Travel: Island Hopping with Island Air and Mokulele Airlines

March 15, 2012 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Island Air
From Oahu’s international airport to Lana’i and from Moloka’i back to Oahu, we flew Island Air to Lana’i. The aircraft was a Dash 8 that seated less than 40 passengers, some tourists like ourselves and others returning home from island hopping. The quick 30 minute flight was an easy one, once in the air you feel like you just get settled in with your local HoloHolo magazine when it’s time to prepare for landing.

There is just enough time to get one quick drink either water or guava juice while in flight, on the way to Lana’i we did get a quick briefing from the airline magazine of the island we were approaching. The atmosphere was comfortable around us, locals chatted and asked questions of our visit, it felt like we were in the middle of a family reunion. Stewardess was kind and friendly and we ended being on her flight both times we flew.

Mokulele Airlines

Flying from Lana’i to Honolulu, then from Honolulu to Moloka’i, we flew Mokulele Airlines. Just when we thought our first inter-island flight was small, take a ride on the Cessna that seats 10 and where you are literally THIS close to the pilot….

If you’re a nervous flyer, the propeller on the plane may also make you nervous, but the 30 minute flight goes by in a flash. No stewardess on this flight, nor drinks.

Starting April 15, 2012
Kona-based Mokulele Airlines today announced service between the islands of Lāna‘i and Maui, starting on April 15, 2012. Listening to their customers’ needs, the airline provider is “happy to follow through with providing affordable and needed flights,” said Ron Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of Mokulele Airlines. The airline, recently under new ownership, will provide one daily direct flight from Lāna‘i to Maui and two daily direct trips from Maui to Lāna‘i. The new flights have allowed for an additional morning flight from Lāna‘i (with a brief stop on Moloka‘i) to Honolulu.

Both flights were louder than a normal flight, it reminded me of my Florida by-plane ride, though we were completely enclosed and pressurized. The airports in Lana’i and Moloka’i are easy to maneuver as they are so small (you don’t even have to go through security leaving Lana’i), but the transitions from the Honolulu airport are tricky so pay attention!!

My flights were covered by Lana’i and Moloka’i’s visitor’s bureaus. My husbands flight plus our luggage charges were paid on our own, all opinions are our own.

Lanai, Hawaii Western Adventures: UTV Ride Review

March 15, 2012 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Our last excursion before we left Lanai for Molokai was our UTV Ride with Lanai Western Adventures. Knowing we were working with the same company as our Horseback Ride, we were definitely in good hands. I googled UTV’s before our trip and came up with photos of mules I’ve seen people riding on tv. I had originally envisioned four-wheelers, me in a helmet along side the driver, just hoping I wouldn’t flip. It was not like that at all, our UTV’s were more like a rough version of a golf-cart, and no helmets necessary!

My husband who had fallen sick the night before was a trooper and joined me on this adventure. I was willing to cancel or come on my own, but he really didn’t want to miss out. The morning was cool after a bit of early rain, so we had sweatshirts and a jacket just in case. I was surprised to learn that I would be commandeering our own UTV, following a guide, not riding with one. My inner race-car driver came out and I was immediately stoked!

The top speed doesn’t exceed about 30 miles an hour, but as soon as our guide handed over the racing goggles (I call them “racing” to feel cool, they’re just regular keep-the-dirt-mud-out-of-your-face goggles) I turned into the female version of Mario Andretti. I hopped into the driver’s seat and got the quick run-down of maneuvering the UTV.Having explored most of the island already via SUV and on horseback, we were entering familiar terrain that did make the UTV rock and roll, turn on slight angles, and get our hearts racing a bit! I’d be completely exaggerating by saying we raced, we kept around a 20-25 mile an hour ride only to speed up when I was taking in the scenery and needed to catch up. It was a great, casual drive but behind that wheel with the wind in your face I tell ya, you feel some power!

Driving along the scenic Munro Trail, we spotted a deer grazing on the hillside, we had seen tracks all about the island, but only spotted the wild turkeys. The fresh air, the company, the scenery all magnificent throughout the ride. Occasionally the guide would stop and give us explanations of what we were seeing or a bit of history pertaining to the area.

A fun experience, something I’d love doing again on another island or locale that offers this type of unique tour. I’m so eager to get behind the wheel again, even if it is just a four-wheeled sporty golf-cart or UTV, the need for speed is exciting! Even though those goggles were completely optional to wear, I’ll have you know I had red-dirt covering my nose and cheeks when the ride was over. I didn’t feel too much hitting me, but you’d be surprised how dusty you can get. Not to mention I wear glasses and the goggles protected my lenses in case dirt or rocks were kicked up and flown at me.

Learn more about UTV rides on Lanai and Hawaii Western Adventures, http://lanaigrandadventures.com/ABOUT_US.html

My ride was hosted by the Lanai Visitor’s Bureau, my husband’s ride and our gratuity was on our own, all opinions are own.

Lanai, Hawaii: Lanai City Grille Dinner Review

March 8, 2012 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

My poor husband fell ill during our stay in Lanai, nothing worse to be on vacation and not feeling well. I knew for sure though that he had to make sure he ate, his fever and bronchitis begged for it to fight off all that ailed him. With as much energy as he could muster, we took the hotel shuttle from the Lodge at Koele down to Lanai City for dinner at the Lanai City Grille.

Designed by culinary genius Bev Gannon, the menu is a tantalizing collection of vibrant flavors and colors inspired by the surrounding organic island milieu. Anticipate generously portioned entrees ranging from locally caught fresh seafood, prime meats and our signature rotisserie chicken.

Set below the Cook pines and inside the Hotel Lanai, this friendly restaurant greeted us with the same candor and family feel that you get all over the island. The atmosphere was casual, we dined among familiar faces including the couple we went horseback riding with, I almost felt as this was Cheers, everyone knew our name, and “Norm” would be walking up the bar at any moment.The chef’s cookbooks decorated the shelves along the perimeter of the restaurant, and the manager Michelle greeted us as special guests.

Due to the medication my husband was taking, we skipped wine for the night but did indulge in some appetizers, pulled Kalua pork won tons. Kalua pork is something I’ve had in our travels to Hawaii, and it’s incredibly tasty, melts in your mouth, sweet and tangy goodness that I just can’t pass up. The outer won ton was crispy while the warm tender meat inside was a comfort food I can get used to.Two won tons a piece was enough to tempt our stomachs but not fill us for the meal we had coming. I spied something on the menu that called out to me. Chorizo mashed potatoes was something I’d never had eaten before, but chorizo is a Mexican sausage I’ve grown up on. The pairing enticed me so much that I substituted it for the potato cake my filet normally comes with, I couldn’t wait! My husband longed for comfort food to help his healing process and ordered the signature 1/2 rotisserie chicken and truffled macaroni and cheese.

I was so impressed by the creamy potatoes with the hint of spice from the chorizo. I normally eat the sausage with eggs, but I have to say it’s taken to the next level with the mash, wow so good! My filet was well done and they mentioned they’d butterfly it for even cooking and it was perfection, still tender and juicy and full of flavor, my meal was a HUGE hit. My husband spoke of his meal, “this was the meat-iest chicken I’ve ever tasted!” Opting for the 1/2 rather than whole he was amazed how much meat he continued to take it, “it’s replenishing itself, I swear!” The outer skin was crispy, the meat perfectly cooked with the sweet glaze beneath. His first time the mac and cheese cooked with truffle oil, it was an earthy flavor that he didn’t dislike but wasn’t used to. A few bites was enough though he did devour both mine and his own vegetables. To this day he’ll speak of our meal and that chicken he ate that must have been the chubbiest alive for being so good!

Our service was excellent, had it not been our last night on the island we would definitely gone back for lunch or another dinner, especially to enjoy those mashed potatoes again!

Our dinner was hosted by the Lanai Visitors Bureau, though an additional gratuity was our, opinions all our own.

Lana’i, Hawaii Western Adventures: Horseback Riding with Cowboy Cody

March 7, 2012 by The Mom Jen 5 Comments

Of the things I wanted to do while in Hawaii this time around, horseback riding was at the top of my list. Not ever having done it before was in the back of my mind, sure. But, I imagined my husband and I galloping across the sand, wind blowing in my hair, and thought that’s about as romantic as it gets.

Though it didn’t go exactly like I had fantasized, horseback riding in Lana’i was a great experience. The Stables at Koele was are starting spot for our hour long plus adventure. Just down the road from the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, you can arrive by shuttle or it’s a nice walk from the resort if you’re staying there. Cowboy Cody greeted us dressed the part and I worried that my track suit looked so out of place. Mentioning that it was basically our first time (my husband rode over 20 years ago), I was assigned the horse named Dusty, who is generally the horse the kids ride. My husband rode Gib and we saddled up along with two other riders we met on the shuttle.Heading to the hills where we had explored with Rabaca’s SUV tour, I worried slightly for my lower back pain to set in. I have arthritis, but the casual trot that we ambled in single-file was actually a lot more comfortable than I expected. The rocking motion was relaxing and I even felt as I’d be lulled to sleep. Only at times when I needed to give Dusty a slight nudge to the side and give the kissing sound to him to catch up to the group did the trot speed up to a gallop and holding on was of my utmost importance. Luckily Cowboy Cody only egged Dusty on once for my benefit to experience how quick the pace can be picked up.The weather was fantastic that morning, cool yet the sunshine heated me up through my black clothing. It’s funny that I worried my weight would impact Dusty’s performance, especially uphill, but the sweet horse only lost a little footing once through our trek on the moist dirt as it had rained earlier that morning. Through the dirt trails, around the ironwood trees, through the rocky landscape and to the greener brush, the ride was a peaceful way to experience the island. Though we didn’t ride across the beach alongside the endless ocean, I had a memorable experience. The horses cooperated so well, our ramble through the unspoiled landscapes, valley, and our unobstructed views were priceless. Cowboy Cody was the utmost gentleman, knowledgeable, friendly, and a superior tour guide. If you get the chance to visit Lana’i, take a ride via horseback and Lana’i Hawaii Western Adventures, you’ll love it!

My ride was hosted by the Lanai Visitor’s Bureau, while my husband’s was at media rate. All opinions are ours.